Roughly two weeks ago the Food and Drug Administration approved over-the-counter sales of the emergency contraceptive pill Plan B in pharmacies and health clinics, restricting non-prescription availability to those 18 and over. We say three cheers to the FDA for making the logical decision to allow women the option to take responsibility for their actions and reproductive health.

Mistakes and accidents can happen to anyone, even the most cautious and safety-conscious of people, and Plan B provides a low-risk and effective way to prevent those accidents from becoming unwanted pregnancies — or abortions. But don’t confuse emergency contraception with birth control. It’s called “emergency” for a reason and should only be an option when a primary form of birth control fails. That primary form should include a condom.

Only condoms can protect against the majority of STDs. Plan B might be able to prevent a pregnancy after your unplanned tryst with that guy or girl you picked up on State Street, but it certainly won’t protect you from the potential syphilis or gonorrhea lurking in every one-night stand.

Beyond the health risks of misusing emergency contraception (though the threat of a painful rash, the loss of one’s reproductive abilities or even an early death should be more than convincing when it comes to practicing safe sex), there are also the political and social risks.

Sure, Margaret Mead and Simone De Beauvoir might be dancing around their graves in joy over this decision, but victories like this one in the battle for sexual freedom shouldn’t be abused. Critics of Plan B are promising that wider availability of the drug will undoubtedly lead to an increase in unprotected sex and other generally irresponsible behavior. And who are they claiming will be the first to jump into bed sans condom? Women in their late teens and early twenties — college-aged women.

The FDA is giving every woman over 18 the ability to make a responsible decision to further protect herself from pregnancy. These are the rights both men and women have fought for, rights we all deserve, and there’s no better way to preserve them than by proving the opponents of reproductive rights wrong. Use a condom: protect yourself and protect your right to sexual freedom.